Mouldy HMC building gets a lifeline

WESTERN BUREAU:

Tests done at the Hanover Municipal Corporation (HMC) building by the Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA) have confirmed the presence of pathogenic organisms and allergens, which could be behind the many cases of employees suffering from bouts of respiratory illness.

The results of the test were delivered to HMC CEO David Gardener last Thursday along with recommendations from the WRHA to address concerns to make the centuries-old building safe for occupancy and use.

“It is important that the necessary repairs be done in a timely manner to allow for improvement of the conditions which are affecting the health and safety of staff and possibly visitors to the building,” notes a section of the report,

While the building is likely to remain open if the various recommendations are followed, Lucea Mayor Sheridan Samuels said he would prefer to see the operations of the municipal body moved to an alternative location.

Dr Kaushal Singh, the medical officer of health (MOH) for Hanover, noted that of the 21 areas that were tested in the HMC building, only three areas were found safe for human habitation – the office of the deputy mayor, the audit office, and the office of the director of planning.

“Some pathogenic organisms and allergens were isolated as well as organisms that indicate lack of proper cleaning and sanitising,” the report also noted. “It is imperative to note that whenever there are conditions such as increased moisture on surfaces, poor ventilation, warm temperatures, and poor cleaning and sanitisation activities, it usually results in an increase in fungal elements and other microbial growth.”

Among the 18 areas the WRHA team found to be environmentally unsafe were the mayor’s office, the mayor’s secretary’s office, the councillors’ area, the CEO and the CEO’s secretary’s office, the town hall meeting room, the administration and registration office; the accounts general area, and the computer room.

editorial@gleanerjm.com

Recommendations

· Conduct fumigation and other pest control to address microbial issues alongside deep cleaning.

· Establish a proper cleaning and sanitisation schedule for all areas.

· Provide adequate ventilation throughout the facility.

· Repair ceiling/roof leak and seal windows to keep out moisture.

· Treat, remove, and replace any structural material that is waterllogged/mouldy or otherwise damaged.

· Seek advice of a structural/building engineer with regard to the stones on the ground floor.

· Conduct corrective and or remedial activities in a manner that will not affect the health and safety of the staff.